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The Writing, or Charcoal Drawing, is on the Wall in Barcelona

Our new President has inspired artists working in all mediums. One of them, Jorge Rodriguez Gerada, was inspired in a very big way.

Last November, Gerada sculpted Barack Obama’s head on a Barcelona beach that was so large it could be seen on Google Earth. The sculpture was 140 yards long by 80 yards wide, took 500 tons of sand, gravel and pebbles, 50 volunteers and more than $13,000 to complete. The size was meant to represent the importance of the American vote to the entire world. But because it was carved in sand, the weather has washed it away.

Still, President Obama’s face isn’t Gerada’s only "heady" project. He has also been working on the “Identity Series”, giant charcoal drawings of random people on walls throughout Barcelona. The blending of charcoal, the wall, and weather, is the most important part of the process. The intent is to have identity, place and memory blend together to become one.

Since 2002, the giant faces have adorned the streets of Barcelona, known as one of the street art centers of the world for more than two decades. Other noted artists, including Banksy, have also been encouraged by the city to tag their streets. Though the city is known for its art, there are no formal graffiti tours. Luckily, in most cases, you won’t need a guide to find unique pieces, just start walking.

Related Stories:
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada [Official Site]
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada [NY Arts]
· Jorge Rodriguez Gerada The Identity Series [Jay You]
· Obama Gets A Really Big Head [WTOP]
· Street Art coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Jorge Rodriguez Gerada]